The inaugural Malawi Microbiome Symposium, a pioneering event in the scientific community of Malawi, successfully convened a diverse group of experts and enthusiasts interested in the fast-developing field of the microbiome. This landmark symposium hosted at MLW with support from the Director’s Discretionary Fund, aimed to connect researchers working in microbiome research within Malawi and foster a homegrown community of practice.
Spearheaded by Arox Kamng’ona of Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) and Philip Ashton from MLW, the symposium commenced with a welcome address, setting the stage for a day of insightful presentations and discussions. The keynote speech was delivered by Dr. Ami Bhatt from Stanford University, who is renowned for her contributions to both technical microbiome matters, and also under-represented groups such as middle-aged African women. This was followed by a series of engaging talks from various distinguished speakers.
Angeziwa Chunga Chirambo of MLW/KUHeS shared the role of the microbiome in human health. David Chaima, also from KUHeS, delved into the impact of the microbiome on environmental enteric dysfunction in Malawi, a topic of great relevance to the region. Philip Ashton from MLW provided valuable insights into the interaction between Salmonella Typhi infection and the microbiome. Finally, Jonathan Mandolo from MLW discussed the breast milk microbiome’s influence on rotavirus vaccine responses.
Participants hailed from diverse disciplines, including microbiology, epidemiology, immunology, and public health, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of microbiome research. The symposium not only facilitated knowledge sharing but also sparked discussions on future collaborations and research directions in Malawi.
The event concluded with closing remarks by Chair Arox Kamng’ona, who emphasised the importance of such symposia in building a strong, collaborative research community in Malawi. The first Malawi Microbiome Symposium marked a significant step in establishing Malawi as a key player in the global microbiome research arena, paving the way for future scientific endeavours and collaborations.
